Stylish Melissa turns ex-loo into top salon
AN ambitious young hair stylist has converted a former public convenience into a high-end salon.
Melissa Timperley, who trained at the esteemed Sassoon, in Manchester, has opened a three-storey business on Tib Street, in the Northern Quarter. The 24-year-old from Wardle, Rochdale, took the leap of faith before Christmas and has already built up a strong clientele.
She said: “I have been interested in hairdressing from a young age.
“I used to practice on my dolls and then my two younger sisters came along which made great live models. Later, I did some work experience at the Sassoon salon and got hooked on the skills involved producing stunning cuts and colour.”
Melissa, who achieved straight A’s at high school, says business acumen runs in the family.
She said: “My dad set up a business 12 years ago with my mum, focusing on helping international professional services businesses to win more work. He’s always on a plane to somewhere in the world and my mum looks after the finance side of the business.”
Melissa decided to take the plunge with her own venture - using all her savings and a loan from her parents. She also credits a supportive landlord who has shown great belief in her vision.
She said: “I’ve always wanted to have my own business and to do things my way; I suppose it was really a matter of timing. Hairdressing is a young person’s business – but I needed to save enough money to give it a go.”
The self-titled salon has already attracted clients from Europe, the Middle East and Canada and is soon to feature a mosaic by Manchester artist Mark Kennedy.
Speaking of the location, she said: “The Northern Quarter is trendy, creative and eclectic in its style; it’s also up and coming, with new city centre living developments planned, so I thought it would be a good choice.
“I’ve also been hugely encouraged by the reception from other hairdressers on Tib Street, which is now becoming known as the hairdressing quarter because there are so many barbers and hair salons on the street – ten in total.
“They are a wonderful, friendly group, all catering for different clientele, and very supportive of each other.”